Hawkins

[Chasm64]

Wasn't Albert Mouring the guy who would step of bounds all the time when take a 3?

Purvis

 

[Mike1984]

Well I'm glad to see you haven't given up on him.

As to comparisons, what I recall is people saying the type of player he reminds them of, in terms of what he has the potential to become. Most saw shades of young Ray Allen with his shooting form and the way he seemed to glide down the court; I recall a few seeing some Caron Butler in his posture. I don't recall anyone suggesting that he was playing now like either one of them did when they earned their reputations as UConn greats.

Yes, there has been a lot of talk about Hurley's game preparation, substitutions and in-game coaching; and calls for Hawkins and others to play more, and for Gaffney and others to play less. It's kinda what we do here, when we're not discussing pizza or Arby's.

God bless you on the night shift. Merry Christmas, and I hope Santa brings Jordan some shots for all of our sake.

I don’t give up on any of the players. A loss is a loss and a win is a win. They still all try hard regardless of the outcome. I’m still going to watch the next game no matter what happens.I root for all of them to do good. I want Hawkins to start making shots. Not only will it help him but it will also help the team. My one critique on him would be his body language. His mentality has to change before he can become that guy. He can’t get down on himself all the time. After he missed that contested runout layup last night and got subbed, they showed him going to the bench and you can tell he just lacks confidence. To me it was sad to see because he does have potential. His game will come and his mentality will change.
The whole Hurley doesn’t know how to coach stuff is getting old though. After every loss, it’s Hurley doesn’t know what he is doing and he should of did this or that. If you look at our losses and even some of our wins, for the most part the offense is creating an open shot and we just aren’t making them. The whole the freshman need more minutes thing is kind of mind boggling though. We can play them 20 minutes a game, but are we going to win? Probably not. Then it would be why did Hurley play them for so long. I get it, it’s a fan board but damn some people need to chill out. The world isn’t ending, maybe it is but it’s not because of UConn basketball. We have a winning record with no bad losses. The coach is doing his job. We should be happy that we aren’t in the abyss of the Ollie era and we are making strides to get better. Hurley and Hawkins are kind of the same, both working to get better and reach greatness and I think both will eventually succeed.
Sorry for the long winded response that went in a million different directions, my mind is like that due to lack of sleep lol.

 

[Husker Husky]

There are guys playing in the NBA that went to UConn and had their own freshman year adjustments to the CBB game as Hawkins is now.. He will be fine with reps and as he matures with on-court successes.

This is pretty much what I was thinking as I was going through this thread.

 

[Kitaman]

All freshman are exempted. Sure it would be ideal if he instantly adjusted to D1 play and players, but some develop quicker than others. He'll catch up, gain his confidence and start knocking down shots and much more. Could even happen this season, but if it doesn't its okay he's still 'in training'. Just don't stop playing him because its obvious he has a sweet stroke (potential) and needs to get his confidence built up. Hawkins is allowed to struggle, too bad our other freshman aren't given the opportunity to struggle.

Just saying, Carmelo Anthony freshman types are unicorns.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Wasn't Albert Mouring the guy who would step of bounds all the time when take a 3?

Rodney Purvis

 

[CV1]

We need a magic number of points from Hawkins and/or Polley to win most of our games. Hawkins was abused on one play in the 2nd half on defense so yes we want him to play through mistakes but we are also trying to win games too. Sometimes people need to chill on expecting too much from the shiny new toy. It’s easy for us fans to be critical of both of these guys but Hurley has the tough job of keeping their confidence sky high despite the struggles.

 

[Rumrunner]

This actually means the opposite. The fact that he's old for his year is bad and means that Hawkins will be feeling more pressure to leave and get drafted regardless of whether he actually accomplishes anything here.

The problem with that analysis is that the former is in Hawkins' control, the latter far out of it. Just because he will feel more pressure to leave, which he can control, the getting drafted part he has no control over, and is the rub. We saw this same analysis with Bouk his freshman year. And then accelerate his sophomore year. The difference is, Bouk was an NBA talent midway thru his freshman year. And then his sophomore year, given his age, which at the time was OLD for NBA first rounders, it was inevitable that he bolted.

Hawkins trajectory is far different. And perversely, while it is bad for him, it is better for UConn fans, cuz we get to enjoy him for four years. This isn't a knock on him. It's just a realization of how the NBA works now. Between the G League, internationals, and even this overtime elite stuff, if you're a 21 year old sophomore, you are statistically screwed. There were only 5 players older than 20 in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

Of the 5, Davion Mitchell of Baylor transferred. Chris Duarte of Oregon went the JC route. Trey Murphy was a transfer from Rice at Virginia. Quintin Grimes transferred from Kansas to Houston. Kispert is the only one who didn't JC or transfer.

So in short, if you are 20 years old, playing from the bench your freshman year, the chance that you become a first round draft choice is pretty bad. And this is on top of the pretty bad odds for any high major player. Which means we get Hawkins for his junior year, and statistically, most likely his senior year.

 

[Umami Zen]

The problem with that analysis is that the former is in Hawkins' control, the latter far out of it. Just because he will feel more pressure to leave, which he can control, the getting drafted part he has no control over, and is the rub. We saw this same analysis with Bouk his freshman year. And then accelerate his sophomore year. The difference is, Bouk was an NBA talent midway thru his freshman year. And then his sophomore year, given his age, which at the time was OLD for NBA first rounders, it was inevitable that he bolted.

Hawkins trajectory is far different. And perversely, while it is bad for him, it is better for UConn fans, cuz we get to enjoy him for four years. This isn't a knock on him. It's just a realization of how the NBA works now. Between the G League, internationals, and even this overtime elite stuff, if you're a 21 year old sophomore, you are statistically screwed. There were only 5 players older than 20 in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

Of the 5, Davion Mitchell of Baylor transferred. Chris Duarte of Oregon went the JC route. Trey Murphy was a transfer from Rice at Virginia. Quintin Grimes transferred from Kansas to Houston. Kispert is the only one who didn't JC or transfer.

So in short, if you are 20 years old, playing from the bench your freshman year, the chance that you become a first round draft choice is pretty bad. And this is on top of the pretty bad odds for any high major player. Which means we get Hawkins for his junior year, and statistically, most likely his senior year.

This is the deal...Hawk stated early on in his UConn career that he thought he was -at worst- two and done. So Dan Hurley has to re-align the player's expectations of their talents with their performance on the floor this year.

So far- Hawk has work to do to meet his self-imposed timeline. Still could happen -- We'll see

 

[husky429]

The problem with that analysis is that the former is in Hawkins' control, the latter far out of it. Just because he will feel more pressure to leave, which he can control, the getting drafted part he has no control over, and is the rub. We saw this same analysis with Bouk his freshman year. And then accelerate his sophomore year. The difference is, Bouk was an NBA talent midway thru his freshman year. And then his sophomore year, given his age, which at the time was OLD for NBA first rounders, it was inevitable that he bolted.

Hawkins trajectory is far different. And perversely, while it is bad for him, it is better for UConn fans, cuz we get to enjoy him for four years. This isn't a knock on him. It's just a realization of how the NBA works now. Between the G League, internationals, and even this overtime elite stuff, if you're a 21 year old sophomore, you are statistically screwed. There were only 5 players older than 20 in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

Of the 5, Davion Mitchell of Baylor transferred. Chris Duarte of Oregon went the JC route. Trey Murphy was a transfer from Rice at Virginia. Quintin Grimes transferred from Kansas to Houston. Kispert is the only one who didn't JC or transfer.

So in short, if you are 20 years old, playing from the bench your freshman year, the chance that you become a first round draft choice is pretty bad. And this is on top of the pretty bad odds for any high major player. Which means we get Hawkins for his junior year, and statistically, most likely his senior year.

Every time someone challenges you, you shift the goalpost. Yawn.

 

[Rumrunner]

Not sure when and where I've been challenged? I guess somewhere where I wrote that Hawkins is going to be 20 this spring, when you said he was 18? That someone thinks he will be drafted because he is more likely to leave, but I guess forgets the part that a team has to want to draft you before you get, well, drafted. That he will not be drafted because he is too old given his demonstrated skill set, and the data points that out. And that based on that, he will be at UConn for four years. But I guess for those who live and die by incessant arguments, your yawn is pretty well anticipated. The perpetually aggrieved and cranky have certainly found a home here.

 

[husky429]

Not sure when and where I've been challenged? I guess somewhere where I wrote that Hawkins is going to be 20 this spring, when you said he was 18? That someone thinks he will be drafted because he is more likely to leave, but I guess forgets the part that a team has to want to draft you before you get, well, drafted. That he will not be drafted because he is too old given his demonstrated skill set, and the data points that out. And that based on that, he will be at UConn for four years. But I guess for those who live and die by incessant arguments, your yawn is pretty well anticipated. The perpetually aggrieved and cranky have certainly found a home here.

Yawn

 

[87Xfer]

Not sure when and where I've been challenged? I guess somewhere where I wrote that Hawkins is going to be 20 this spring, when you said he was 18? That someone thinks he will be drafted because he is more likely to leave, but I guess forgets the part that a team has to want to draft you before you get, well, drafted. That he will not be drafted because he is too old given his demonstrated skill set, and the data points that out. And that based on that, he will be at UConn for four years. But I guess for those who live and die by incessant arguments, your yawn is pretty well anticipated. The perpetually aggrieved and cranky have certainly found a home here.

was there any point that you were trying to make in that mess? hole eee schitt

 

[ClifSpliffy]

The problem with that analysis is that the former is in Hawkins' control, the latter far out of it. Just because he will feel more pressure to leave, which he can control, the getting drafted part he has no control over, and is the rub. We saw this same analysis with Bouk his freshman year. And then accelerate his sophomore year. The difference is, Bouk was an NBA talent midway thru his freshman year. And then his sophomore year, given his age, which at the time was OLD for NBA first rounders, it was inevitable that he bolted.

Hawkins trajectory is far different. And perversely, while it is bad for him, it is better for UConn fans, cuz we get to enjoy him for four years. This isn't a knock on him. It's just a realization of how the NBA works now. Between the G League, internationals, and even this overtime elite stuff, if you're a 21 year old sophomore, you are statistically screwed. There were only 5 players older than 20 in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

Of the 5, Davion Mitchell of Baylor transferred. Chris Duarte of Oregon went the JC route. Trey Murphy was a transfer from Rice at Virginia. Quintin Grimes transferred from Kansas to Houston. Kispert is the only one who didn't JC or transfer.

So in short, if you are 20 years old, playing from the bench your freshman year, the chance that you become a first round draft choice is pretty bad. And this is on top of the pretty bad odds for any high major player. Which means we get Hawkins for his junior year, and statistically, most likely his senior year.

well now, hard to argue with this. too much common sense in it, and all that. puts everrthing in a whole new perspective. yes indeedy, a whole new perspective. now i know.
learning is fun!

 

[ClifSpliffy]

I don’t give up on any of the players. A loss is a loss and a win is a win. They still all try hard regardless of the outcome. I’m still going to watch the next game no matter what happens.I root for all of them to do good. I want Hawkins to start making shots. Not only will it help him but it will also help the team. My one critique on him would be his body language. His mentality has to change before he can become that guy. He can’t get down on himself all the time. After he missed that contested runout layup last night and got subbed, they showed him going to the bench and you can tell he just lacks confidence. To me it was sad to see because he does have potential. His game will come and his mentality will change.
The whole Hurley doesn’t know how to coach stuff is getting old though. After every loss, it’s Hurley doesn’t know what he is doing and he should of did this or that. If you look at our losses and even some of our wins, for the most part the offense is creating an open shot and we just aren’t making them. The whole the freshman need more minutes thing is kind of mind boggling though. We can play them 20 minutes a game, but are we going to win? Probably not. Then it would be why did Hurley play them for so long. I get it, it’s a fan board but damn some people need to chill out. The world isn’t ending, maybe it is but it’s not because of UConn basketball. We have a winning record with no bad losses. The coach is doing his job. We should be happy that we aren’t in the abyss of the Ollie era and we are making strides to get better. Hurley and Hawkins are kind of the same, both working to get better and reach greatness and I think both will eventually succeed.
Sorry for the long winded response that went in a million different directions, my mind is like that due to lack of sleep lol.

' a million different directions..'
nope,. actually it went straight down the pike, taking us from that,
to this!,
'We should be happy...'
im certainly happy that our two starters are back. there really are no other major problems. the band is back together, so roll the balls out, and let's watch 'em.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I partly believe Hurly kind of messed up his confidence early on... He was playing great and hungry at the beginning of the year and Hurley would pull him for any little mistake. Now he plays timid it seems.

 

[8893]

I partly believe Hurly kind of messed up his confidence early on... He was playing great and hungry at the beginning of the year and Hurley would pull him for any little mistake. Now he plays timid it seems.

I was thinking the same, but at this point it's on Jordan. He's got to figure it out for himself. Life punches you in the face a lot, and it's how you respond that matters. I'm confident he'll get there.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Not sure when and where I've been challenged? I guess somewhere where I wrote that Hawkins is going to be 20 this spring, when you said he was 18? That someone thinks he will be drafted because he is more likely to leave, but I guess forgets the part that a team has to want to draft you before you get, well, drafted. That he will not be drafted because he is too old given his demonstrated skill set, and the data points that out. And that based on that, he will be at UConn for four years. But I guess for those who live and die by incessant arguments, your yawn is pretty well anticipated. The perpetually aggrieved and cranky have certainly found a home here.

What is this gibberish?

 

[the Q]

It’s hard when a guy is billed as a shooter and…doesn’t shoot.

He needs to do other things to contribute

As was mentioned during the wv telecast, hurley not only trusted him to play d on that key late possesssion but put him on wvu’s top guy at that time.

That says something as well.

But yes it’s frustrating that ball isn’t going in. That time should come though

 

[Huskyforlife]

Tbh I'm glad Dan has decided one of his top 70 freshmen deserves to play through some struggles. You need to invest in the players with the most talent, and he's near the top of that list for us. It'd be different if his competition was clearly much better, like in Samsons case with our other bigs.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I was thinking the same, but at this point it's on Jordan. He's got to figure it out for himself. Life punches you in the face a lot, and it's how you respond that matters. I'm confident he'll get there.

Yeah he should bounce back. It was kind of frustrating to watch in real time though. Like sheesh this kid is our best scorer out there and he was determined to overcoach him..

 

[Scoe]

Maybe we don’t have to worry about him being a 1 and done. Was gonna hit that freshman wall at some point especially in Big East play, now how does he respond to that. He still pretty raw there’s a reason Hurley didn’t just throw him out there. Probably the case with Diggins as well, just find it hard to believe he can’t give 7-10 minutes per half.

 

[jibsey]

There is an area of concern and that is that a kid like Hawkins didn’t sign up with UCONN to play 12 minutes a game. We know he has talent and we know he is not meeting Hurley’s expectations yet he desperately wants to be out there for a lot more PT than he is getting. It’s always a fine line for coaches trying to win every game.

 

[microfich]

There is an area of concern and that is that a kid like Hawkins didn’t sign up with UCONN to play 12 minutes a game. We know he has talent and we know he is not meeting Hurley’s expectations yet he desperately wants to be out there for a lot more PT than he is getting. It’s always a fine line for coaches trying to win every game.

I think it's rarely a fine line.
I'd be very surprised if any of our freshmen disagree that they haven't earned coach's trust in coach's terms. I'm also certain coach has spelled out to them every day what it takes to get that initial major game PT.

Every kid desperately wants to be out there.
There's a very clear hurdle to clear defensively that will not be overlooked by coach because you give up free points. Offensively there's a longer leash. Heck, all Niels Giffey did for 1 year was hold the ball and pivot but he played because he learned the defense and could cover.

I have never been concerned about kids leaving as freshmen. If the advent of the portal proves to change things for some, fine. Those kids either see the handwriting on the wall and head for a smaller program or have some other issues.

Hawk's troubles are tough to watch but I have complete faith in our staff to keep him pushing and lifting his head up.
It's a rare kid that doesn't overcome freshman jitters.

 

[8893]

Maybe we don’t have to worry about him being a 1 and done.

And again this nonsense is perpetuated. NO ONE WAS EVER WORRIED ABOUT HIM BEING A 1 AND DONE.

 

[husky429]

And again this nonsense is perpetuated. NO ONE WAS EVER WORRIED ABOUT HIM BEING A 1 AND DONE.

It has always been 2 and done, and that's because our coach said it. People on here look SO HARD for things to complain about the players. It's obvious the kid is talented and working hard, just having a hefty freshman slump. It is what it is.

Complain about the coaches, the AD, or the season ticket holders in the lower bowl that still can't show up to sellout games. Always struck me as ridiculous to complain about the kids. Just keep it factual... he's having a rough start to his freshman year. It is what it is.

 

[temery]

It has always been 2 and done, and that's because our coach said it. People on here look SO HARD for things to complain about the players. It's obvious the kid is talented and working hard, just having a hefty freshman slump. It is what it is.

Complain about the coaches, the AD, or the season ticket holders in the lower bowl that still can't show up to sellout games. Always struck me as ridiculous to complain about the kids. Just keep it factual... he's having a rough start to his freshman year. It is what it is.

Great post, but now I'm confused.

 

[Scoe]

And again this nonsense is perpetuated. NO ONE WAS EVER WORRIED ABOUT HIM BEING A 1 AND DONE.

I WAS BEING SARCASTIC HELLOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was obviously reacting to this 1 and done the board was talking about.